SEATTLE—Seven awards will be presented this Sunday celebrating things that are working right -- honoring outstanding efforts that are helping to make central Puget Sound a more livable region. The VISION 2020 award winners will be honored at the annual General Assembly of the Puget Sound Regional Council in Shoreline. The Assembly will also host Vice President Al Gore and a listening session on livability.
The VISION 2020 Awards recognize truly outstanding projects and programs that help promote a livable region and achieve our region's growth and transportation strategy, VISION 2020. This year's outstanding winners are:
The Daffodil Neighborhood, Sumner -- The Daffodil Neighborhood in the City of Sumner has been transformed into a truly livable community that doesn't require a car trip to raise kids, shop or commute to work.
Gateways to Bremerton -- This effort demonstrates the keystone of VISION 2020 by improving transportation links between urban centers, including new passenger-only ferry service between Bremerton and Seattle, and by revitalizing the downtown Bremerton waterfront.
LionsGate, Redmond -- LionsGate is a walkable, mixed-use urban village near downtown Redmond that serves a model for innovative design.
New Holly, Seattle -- This project transformed the Holly Park public housing project in Seattle into an attractive, vibrant new neighborhood with housing for mixed incomes.
Tulalip Route 222, Marysville -- Tulalip Route 222 is a new bus route that serves as a vital link between the Tulalip community and Marysville.
Upper Snoqualmie Regional Open Space Initiative, Preston -- This effort unites citizens, local businesses and King County in a positive plan to overcome land use conflicts and preserve rural character.
AIA Seattle -- The American Institute of Architects, Seattle Chapter, will be honored with a VISION 2020 Partnership Award, which is designed to recognize organizations that are promoting livability through many of their efforts.
The Puget Sound Regional Council is the designated regional transportation planning organization under state and federal laws. Members include King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, 67 of the 81 cities contained within them, state agencies and port authorities.